In December of last year, Patrick Gazley, who volunteered with us in Malawi two years ago, decided to do a sponsored swim for RIPPLE Africa … but not just any old swim! Every week for five months, he swam in Lake Michigan, come wind, hail or sleet – or sometimes even when part of the lake was actually frozen! – though very sensibly the swim was preceded by a jog to warm him up and prepare him for the often freezing temperatures.
We just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Patrick for his amazing efforts, and for his commitment and dedication to RIPPLE Africa. He’s been a great supporter of the charity ever since he volunteered, and he’s been very keen to help the charity and stay in touch so he know hows it’s all going. His volunteer experience obviously left a lasting impression, and he wanted to help give something back to the community that welcomed him so warmly whilst at Mwaya Beach. Here’s a short video showing some of the grateful people in Malawi:
This is what Patrick had to say about his fundraising experience:
“Raising money and awareness through Reflections for RIPPLE proved to be an endeavor beyond words and timeless in its personal impact to my involvement with the charity. Knowing how consciously each dollar is used in RIPPLE Africa’s projects, and helping spread that mission amongst friends and family, roots me in a deep belief that we can all be docents of a better, more unified world. RIPPLE Africa’s mantra, Providing a hand up, not a hand out, continues to resonate deeply within my own ethos. Thank you RIPPLE Africa!”
To read more about Patrick’s wonderful journey from the initial idea for fundraising to his amazing feats in the frozen waters of Lake Michigan, go to his home page. Here you can read his weekly blog during the event or watch the fantastic video of Patrick swimming whilst the snow fell all around!
If you would like to sponsor Patrick for his amazing efforts, his fundraising pages are still open so please help if you can. For UK donations, click here, and for USA donations, click here.
We want to say a huge thank you to Patrick on behalf of everyone at RIPPLE Africa. His support and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated. So, as they say in Malawi, “Tawonga ukongwa ada”!
